I was once clueless about parenting

Friday

Jul 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM

When my twin daughters were born many years ago, I really didn't have any idea how to be a parent. I had never changed a diaper, fed a baby, and all the rest of the stuff you're supposed to magically know.

When my twin daughters were born many years ago, I really didn't have any idea how to be a parent. I had never changed a diaper, fed a baby, and all the rest of the stuff you're supposed to magically know.

At that time I recalled a quote from Alvin Toffler who wrote, "Parenthood remains the single greatest preserve of the amateur." Suddenly I realized the gravity of his words; spot on, Mr. Toffler.

So what to do? Well, like most of us, I copied the many wonderful ways I had been parented. I also tossed out or modified what I didn't think was so swift. And then to be fair, there was a lot of "making it up as you go along."

One of the things I distinctly remember liking very, very much was that my mom read to me every night before bed. I remember where we sat, remember many of the stories, and especially our powder-blue book full of fairy tales.

I'm not clueless anymore, and I do know the importance of reading aloud to your kids every day. My mom gave that gift to me and I gave that gift to my own kids. If you're not already a member, join the club. Reading together is one of the finest gifts you can give to a child, next to your unconditional love.

One day, Little Bear discovers a new cave close to the cave he shares with Big Bear. Little Bear shows Big Bear his new cave, then Little Bear spends the day playing there. When it's time for bed, Little Bear decides he wants to sleep in his new cave, like a big bear does. As he tries to fall asleep, he wonders if Big Bear might be lonely without him. Maybe Big Bear isn't the only lonely one ...

Perfect from start to finish, young children will immediately identify with the sentiment of wanting to be independent, but not too independent.

The irrepressible 7-year-old Ty has a big heart and big ideas on things. Sometimes, however, things don't go as Ty had planned. For example, the class field trip to the Georgia Aquarium. Ty wanted his mom to chaperone, but as usual, she is too busy with Ty's baby sister. Then the group Ty is supposed to be with sort-of disintegrates and Ty is left alone. Not feeling like himself, Ty wanders off and discovers a private section of the aquarium where he finds baby penguins. Ty feels certain the one little penguin is talking to him, asking Ty to take him home ...

A young boy and his family have returned to the house by the sea. This year the boy's father tells him he will see his first deer. As the two set off, the boy is so eager, and they see much wildlife, but no deer. Waiting patiently, quietly, and staying still are not things a young boy does easily. But at last they see not one deer, but three — a doe and her two fawns — and in the magic of that brief encounter the boy knows he will carry that memory with him forever.

Beautifully written and illustrated, this lovely book is enchanting in multiple ways.

Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached at greatestbooksforkids.com.

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